One Step Up Students were busy with a number of events this past Friday, May 12th at Lincoln School in Lamar. The main event was a fundraising auction for needed supplies to seed the playground at the school on North 10th Street so students could have a grassy area for fun, exercise and outdoor activities.

Future Site of a Grassy Playground

Invitations had been emailed to the afternoon events which began with a student-guided tour of their projects, displayed on the walls of the school’s gymnasium/dining area. An outdoor tour included the neighborhood garden and beyond, an area the students felt would be an excellent location for an open air area in the city’s tree farm, just north of the school which is now used by students in the Project HOPE program.

Pointing out Objectives and Goals for Commissioner Cook

While folks were enjoying a bbq-styled lunch of pulled pork, beans, salad and dessert, auctioneer Cody Johnson of Holly, got the ball rolling for the fundraiser, and was given an assist by Lawrence Brase, acting as his spotter. Pies, cookies, cakes, enchiladas and other items were auctioned off, while some of the students, brand new to the pace of a live auction, were thrilled to see adults talking a mile-a-minute.

What Am I Bid!!

It was reported that the $2,500 raised in the auction will be literal ‘seed money’ that will purchase the grass seed for the inner playground at the school. Apparently some adults will donate some of their time and energy to do the footwork needed to prepare the ground for the project, which includes an sprinkler system.

One Step Up has outlined four other projects including artwork for the proposed skateboard park at Willow Creek Park. Now they want to make their mark on the space by partnering with a local artist to install an art piece that they help design and create; develop a community gathering space for outdoor activities, help Main Street in Lamar to become a safer place for kids and families with crosswalks and pedestrian crossing lights and future artwork along the downtown area. Kids want recess time at school. One Step Up hopes to research how other school districts are incorporating recess and active play to help boost academic performance and attendance. This campaign will include recommendations to the school district and funds to support training and equipment to boost active play during the school day.